--- title: "A Quick Look at Behavioral Intervention for Adults with Disabilities: Benefits, Methods & Uses" description: Discover how behavioral intervention services under the California Self-Determination Program (SDP) help adults with disabilities improve their quality of life. image: https://neuronav.org/hubfs/image1.png --- [Skip to content](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/behavioral-intervention-for-adults-with-disabilities#main-content) [![nn_logo_wide_white](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_white.png?width=2641&height=640&name=nn_logo_wide_white.png "nn_logo_wide_white")](https://www.neuronav.org/) - [For Individuals](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - Knowledge - [Self-Determination Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - About Us - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) - [Disability Rights](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/disability-rights) # A Quick Look at Behavioral Intervention for Adults with Disabilities: Benefits, Methods & Uses ![behavioral intervention for Adults with Disabilities](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/image1.png) Behavioral intervention services are all about taking control of the way we think and act. Under the California Self-Determination Program (SDP), adults with disabilities can use behavioral intervention to learn important skills and improve their quality of life. Let’s explore what behavioral intervention is, who can use it, and how it specifically helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). ## What Does Behavioral Intervention Mean? Behavioral intervention uses techniques and strategies to influence positive behavior changes. With [applied behavior analysis (ABA)](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/applied-behavior-analysis) at its roots, this intervention aims to **increase good behaviors** while **reducing harmful or disruptive ones**. Behavioral intervention plans (BIPs) are customized for each person to address their unique needs and challenges. These plans often include positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), which focus on promoting good behavior through reinforcement and support.  ### Behavioral Intervention for Disabilities [Behavioral intervention](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10774556/) is incredibly helpful for people with disabilities because it can tackle a wide range of behavioral challenges and skill gaps. For adults with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, behavioral intervention can be a helpful tool. It can help individuals learn how to effectively communicate, identify triggers that lead to unwanted behaviors, and develop coping skills to navigate challenges. For example, a person with autism might need help with social interactions and communication. They may find it hard to make eye contact, understand social cues, or start conversations. Behavioral intervention can help by teaching these skills step-by-step and practicing them in real-life situations.  Experts create behavioral intervention plans after conducting thorough assessments to ensure the recommended services are a perfect fit for an individual’s strengths and areas where they can improve. Through consistent and supportive interventions, individuals can reach [meaningful goals](https://neuronav.org/self-deterimination-hub/realistic-personal-goals).   ### Who Can Benefit From Behavioral Intervention Services? Behavioral intervention is extremely helpful for people with disabilities who struggle with everyday activities or find it challenging to participate in community events. [Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS)](https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/asd-and-dd-adult-focused/positive-behavioral-interventions-and-supports-can-help-adults-with-special-needs/) has been shown to help adults with intellectual abilities. PBIS focuses on proactive strategies to prevent and address behavioral issues for better social outcomes and quality of life. California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) helps people with disabilities access the best behavioral intervention services to match their specific needs.  Through this program, individuals with IDDs who show a need for behavioral support have the power to pick their own services and providers. This provides a sense of independence and personalizing their care. For more information about this program, review the [SDP service definitions](https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/SDP_Service_Definitions.pdf). ## Examples of Behavioral Intervention Therapy for Adults with Disabilities [Behavioral intervention therapy](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/advances-in-psychiatric-treatment/article/interventions-for-challenging-behaviour-in-intellectual-disability/1B1D0E368454879EA7E58E6A2B9FEDEF) involves using different methods and approaches tailored to each person’s needs and goals. Here are some examples of interventions used to support adults with disabilities: - **Social Skills Training**: Teaching individuals how to interact well with others, understand social cues, and build meaningful relationships. - **Communication Strategies**: Improving verbal and nonverbal communication skills, including finding alternate ways to communicate for those who cannot speak.  - **Self-Management Techniques**: Helping people learn how to keep track of and control their own behavior so they depend less on others to remind them.  - **Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)**: Identifying the underlying causes of challenging behaviors and developing effective strategies to address them.  - **Positive Reinforcement**: Using rewards and incentives to encourage good behaviors and reduce negative ones. These interventions are led by trained behavior intervention specialists who collaborate closely with the individual and their support network. The goal is to enhance quality of life and help people participate more fully in their communities. ## Find Disability Services That Fit Your Needs Navigating the various services available for adults with disabilities can be overwhelming. That’s where NeuroNav comes in. Our [independent facilitators](https://neuronav.org/services) are dedicated to helping you locate the services and providers that best match your needs.  Whether you're looking for behavioral intervention services or other forms of support, we’re here to assist you. Our services are here for those transitioning into the SDP as well as active participants. To learn more about NeuroNav’s independent facilitators and how they can help you, reach out today to schedule a [free consultation](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10774556/). ## Related Articles Dive into more topics and stories that resonate with your interests. Our handpicked articles offer a deeper look into the world of Self-Determination and beyond. [![An adult with a disability smiling and taking a selfie outdoors](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/30.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/who-is-the-self-determination-program-best-for) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living) ### [Who is the Self-Determination Program Best For?](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/who-is-the-self-determination-program-best-for) February 6, 2025 Since 2013, California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) has been an option for individuals looking to exercise more... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/who-is-the-self-determination-program-best-for) [![A cardboard sign with the words “FIGHT TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW” over a crowd of people](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/disability%20advocacy.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/get-involved-in-disability-advocacy) [Self-Advocacy](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-advocacy), [Representation](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/representation) ### [Make Your Voice Heard: How to Get Involved in Disability Advocacy](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/get-involved-in-disability-advocacy) January 30, 2025 Disability advocacy is the key to creating meaningful, lasting change in our communities. It wasn’t too long ago that... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/get-involved-in-disability-advocacy) [![A smiling college student standing outdoors and holding a red binder and colorful folders.](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/76.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-autistic-students) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Self-Advocacy](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-advocacy), [Neurodiversity & Disability Education](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/neurodiversity-disability-education) ### [7 Ways the Self-Determination Program Can Support Autistic College Students](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-autistic-students) October 9, 2025 Starting college is an exciting milestone—but it can also bring unique challenges for autistic students. From... 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If you have questions or concerns about NeuroNav services funded by your regional center, please visit the Department of Developmental Services website or call (916) 654-1987 for guidance on the process. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "NeuroNav Self-Determination Specialist", "url" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/author/neuronav-self-determination-specialist" }, "dateModified" : "2024-07-11T12:00:00.536Z", "datePublished" : "2024-07-11T12:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "A Quick Look at Behavioral Intervention for Adults with Disabilities: Benefits, Methods & Uses", "image" : [ "https://neuronav.org/hubfs/image1.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/behavioral-intervention-for-adults-with-disabilities", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" } } } ```